Fast Cars and Freedom

Chapter 11- Burning Love

Fast Cars And Freedom

Chapter 11: Burning Love

It was around eleven o'clock when Soda and I entered the Curtis home after our date. It was a Friday night, so Darry was a little more lenient about how long the boys could stay up.

We were greeted by the sounds of most of the gang as we shuffled into the living room. Steve and Two-Bit were on the couch fighting over the last bottle of beer and Ponyboy was staring at the television set, trying to ignore them. Darry was nowhere in sight.

"Hey, guys." I plopped down into a large armchair and was surprised to find that all the noise in the room stopped as I made my presence known. Soda sat down in the chair next to mine with a small smile.

I watched as Two- Bit and Steve stared at me for a few seconds, then at Soda, and then at each other with a wolfish grin. I was confused when they started lightly laughing.

Steve spoke first. "So, uh, Sodapop, you wouldn't happen to be, uh, single as of recent, would ya?"

I stared in confusion as Two-Bit and Steve giggled together like schoolgirls. What the heck?

"Can't say I am, Steven," Soda said proudly.

"Why, Stevie? Were you interested in Pepsiboy over here?" Two-Bit said, always the wisecracker. He let out a howl of laughter and Steve scowled.

"So you did it then?" Ponyboy said, flashing the ultra-cute smile that would be rivaling Sodapop's for female attention in a few years.

"Yeah, Pone." Soda's face slightly flushed, a sign that he felt embarrassed to be having this discussion with me present. It was odd to have Soda be the one being embarrassed by the gang for once.

It occurred to me then that Soda must have told all the guys about asking me to be his girl before we went out tonight. The thought was enough to soon have me blushing as well.

Steve and Two-Bit whooped and cheered loudly.

"So, how'd he do, huh?"

"Did he kiss you?"

"How far did y'all go, Sodaboy?"

"He was supposed to kiss you."

I groaned and threw a pillow at the boys teasing me. I was now thoroughly embarrassed and didn't dare look in Soda's direction. The guys only laughed harder.

Sometimes I wonder how the heck I managed to put up with these losers for so many years.

"There's cake on the counter if y'all get hungry." Darry said as he passed through the living room. Oh, yeah. That's why I put up with these guys.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up the next morning to find Soda whistling a tune and dancing around the stove as he cooked breakfast.

He looked up as I entered the kitchen. "Mornin', doll." He smiled at me.

"What are you doing up? You never wake up this early," I said, taking a seat at the table as I poured a glass of chocolate milk. That household could go through an unbelievable amount of chocolate milk in a day.

"I guess I'm energetic today," He flashed another beaming grin, "And, besides, now Pony and Darry will have to do the dishes since I'm making breakfast." He winked at me and we both laughed.

"I'll set the table." I said, searching for some clean plates. I opened the cupboard and frowned when I noticed the plates were sitting on the top shelf. I bit my lip, standing on the tips of my toes as I tried to stretch upward, but I still couldn't reach.